Lions, and Zebras, and FILTH – Oh my! (Orlando Bands.com / Evermore Sound Battle of the Bands Finals)

 

Hats off to Orlando Bands.com and Evermore Sound for showcasing 64 of Central Florida music’s finest over the rigorous weeks of The Battle of The Bands 2012.  It was a valiant fight to the finish Friday night at Back Booth, as the war came to an end with Lions After Dark claiming the final victory. 

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Lions After Dark is a young band of girls and guys, that exude a skill and confidence way beyond their years.  Their music is kinda hippy, bluesy, 60’s and 70’s era and super well done.  It took a minute to transition from FILTH’s rampage to this Melanie/Joplin-esque sound, but about half a song in, we became completely caught up in the smooth style of Curt Pfeiffer on drums, Abby Winteregg playing bass, and Andrew Roden’s guitar.  Front woman, Maddie is an adorable bundle of energy with a really sweet sound, but you get the feeling that she could probably rip your face off with the power of her incredible voice if you crossed her.  (We really think she could!) This is the combination that allows the band to take control.  Come on now, you have no choice but to be drawn in and sing along with their excellent rendition of “Mercedes Benz”.   We think that no matter what kind of lousy mood you may have been in when you came to the show…. You’re gonna have fun when Lions After Dark hits the stage.  You have to look them up on Facebook and check out Rose’s favorite, the sultry jazzy tune, “Waste No Time”…. You just gotta smile!       

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We were all given an extra helping of FILTH on this night.  The guys were as amazing and outrageous as ever.   Their  devious and FILTHY little plan is working…..with solid ass kicking metal, these consummate showmen are proving one set after another that metal can definitely be good fun…. Why, be so dark and serious all the time?   The more we see ’em, the more we love ’em, as they progressively move forward teasing us with just a little more naughtiness each show.  Most memorable moment of the night….the entire crowd…. fists in the air…. chanting in unison….

“WE WE ARE FILTH!!  WE ARE FILTH!!  WE ARE FILTH!!”  Yes, we definitely are. 

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 Taking second place was the clean, crisp sound of Zebra Panic.  The band has been together since 2011 and has participated in several Christian music competitions before joining the Battle of the Bands.  In August of this year; Nick, David, Brandon, Jason and Michael  released their first demo EP, comprised of 5 songs recorded and produced by the band themselves.  

 Special guests, Antic opened the night.  While not part of the competition it was surely a bonus to have a chance to see them here.   Antic gives a fresh new lease on old school southern style.  There’s just enough angst to give their sound a proper edge, and some great guitar riffs to back it up with attitude.  We particularly like the darker tune “Slenderman”.  From what we hear, they have an EP and video in the works.  We are really looking forward to seeing and hearing more from Antic.   

  You can be sure that we will be following Ben and Orlando Bands.com as they take us on this journey again in 2013.  It’s been a great ride….and we thank you s for bringing us so many bands and so much great music.